The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 was also thoroughly tested on technical aspects in the DIWA lab. The technical tests take place under standardized circumstances, in which the camera is extensively screened. We use these DIWA tests as a base and guide to complement our practical experience, and to have a secure way to be able to compare test results with those of previous models. The DIWA lab is a place where a condition is created through standardized circumstances, which allows cameras, compact and system cameras, to be compared with each other effortlessly. Additionally, the Panasonic Lumix G2 camera is used extensively in practice in order to assess control and photography aspects. Such a combination of lab and practical tests result in a thoroughly balanced, final assessment.

Panasonic Lumix G 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens
The Panasonic Lumix G 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens is always included with the Panasonic G2. It is a lens with a 3x optical zoom range (28-84mm in a 35mm equivalent). The measurements of the wide angle photography results still show a bit of chromatic aberration. This is a phenomenon that can also be corrected by the camera itself or by post processing the images. It is remarkable how much detail the kit lens delivers; it is quite a fine performance. Combined with the optical image stabilizer, this relatively inexpensive kit lens delivers a powerful performance.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 lens
There is a bit of corner blur in comparison with the center. With a full opening this is more visible, but stopping down immediately gives an optimal result. It seems to us that the corrections that are made within the camera in terms of chromatic aberration and distortion leave some tracks in terms of corner blur. In practice it is hardly noticeable, and allows the kit lens to show a fine result.

Panasonic DMC-G2 color reproduction
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 has the tendency to show quite saturated colors. Especially the green and red channels are being pushed more so that the color reproduction appears livelier. In practice, this delivers a pleasant result and it is actually quite typical for a consumer system camera. Research has shown that most consumers prefer a more colorful reproduction. That is not a problem for skin tones. The colors are quite natural. It is moreover possible to adjust the color saturation manually, according to taste. Next to saturation, the contrast and focus can be adjusted precisely in five steps.

Panasonic Lumix DMC G2 - ISO values
Compared to standard compact cameras, one of the advantages of system cameras is the larger sensor. This generally also delivers better performances in terms of signal/noise ratios. The Panasonic Lumix G2 test shots show that low ISO values, up to 400 ISO, are of very good quality. Details are clearly present and barely affected by internal noise suppression. At 800 ISO, we see some loss of detail, but the result is absolutely good. 1600 ISO is workable, but in difficult lighting conditions, the quality diminishes. Still, we would not hesitate to apply the higher ISO values in order capture a favorite moment. From 3200 ISO and higher, the quality is clearly affected by the amount of visible noise. This should thus only be used in an emergency.

Photography with the Panasonic Lumix G2
The general impression that we get while shooting and investigating the test results is excellent. The shots are sharp and full of detail and that is especially thanks to the balanced noise reduction that Panasonic applies. The color reproduction is of fine quality and there is a remarkable amount of detail in the shots. The camera’s internal correction delivers the desired results. The consumer hardly has to worry about the technical aspects and can fully concentrate on photography.

Panasonic G2 offers the well-known iA mode
The countless and handy number of settings and functions that the Panasonic DMC-G2 has to offer turns digital photography into a fun hobby. Whether they are just snapshots, or truly creative compositions, shooting with the Panasonic Lumix G2 means an excellent chance at achieving the desired result. We would especially like to emphasize the iA mode. This mode delivers an excellent result and often surprisingly good image quality in often tricky lighting circumstances. The fact that this function has received its own button seems to us to be completely justified.